Please
send comments to leaderpub@votf.org
(Watch for our anniversary Special Edition this month and be sure
to visit our Web site)
In the Vineyard
March
Vol. 2, Issue 3
This
rather is the fasting that I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own.
Isaiah
58:6-7
As
VOTF hastens toward the Lenten season alongside Catholics the
world over, our members are focusing on this liturgical opportunity
for re-dedication to our mission and goals as well as finding
new ways to witness our faith.
In
the Boston, MA Archdiocese, VOTF members will join other groups
for a peace-filled "Silent Watch" that will mark the sorrow felt
by so many on behalf of the survivors. Organizers have also spoken
of their hope for a just honesty in acts of repentance. The watch
will take place at the Chancery, the seat of the Boston archdiocese,
from noon to 3 p.m. throughout the forty days of Lent. Other affiliates
around the country are planning similar actions. Contact Andrea
Johnson at andreajohnson@attbi.com
for more information.
At
the recent VOTF Representative Leadership Council meeting in MA,
attendees participated in an anniversary
rededication liturgy written by National Prayerful Voice -
it is on our Web
site for use by VOTF affiliates and parish voices planning
Lenten services.
As
we consider our Lenten journey 2003, we are reminded of our earthly
challenge put so simply by Thomas Merton: "'God's will' is found
in anything that is required of us in order that we may be united
with one another in love." You will find in this issue the measure
of VOTF members' dedication to those words.
-
The
New Jersey affiliate recently hosted a talk by one of VOTF's
loudest critics - reaching beyond itself to advance a pro-active
and engaged dynamic - to "unite in love."
-
The
Winchester, MA VOTF affiliate completed a survey of priests,
furthering our collective understanding of VOTF's second goal
- to "unite in love."
-
From
coast to coast, affiliates are moving into public places to
advocate for the protection of children - to "unite in love."
Two of our affiliates similarly engaged on opposite coasts,
Washington and New York, report on legislative activity as
they work toward ensuring a safer, healthier church.
-
In
Minnesota, a budding affiliate looks to its first healing
service they have planned with survivors, clergy and growing
numbers of area Catholics - to "unite in love."
-
Two
major regional conferences (noted in "Events") will focus
on justice and compassion for survivors of sexual abuse by
clergy - to "unite in love."
Isaiah's words, too, are played out wherever there is a VOTF -
none will turn their backs.
Peggie
L. Thorp, Ed
If you think communicating with members and the
public about VOTF activities is important, donate
now to support our communications efforts.
